Vikings Sagas and Sights: Self Guided Walk in Reykjavik

About this experience

A sorcerer once swam around Iceland disguised as a whale, only to be driven back by a dragon, a giant, and a colossal bird guarding the coastline. You'll find those guardians carved into the Parliament building — and that's just one of the stories waiting for you on this self-guided walking tour of Reykjavik.

Starting at the volcanic-inspired Hallgrimskirkja, this audio tour leads you through 14 stops across Iceland's capital including the Rainbow Street and a sculpture designed as an ode to the sun.

Along the way, you will hear how the Vikings established the world's oldest parliament and why Iceland has no McDonald's.

Delivered through the Tourific app, the tour works entirely offline once downloaded. Pause to explore, stop for coffee, or climb the Hallgrimskirkja tower for panoramic views. Available in 9 languages. Start whenever you like, go at your own pace, and take as long as you want.

Itinerary

1. Tour stop

   Start at the most iconic landmark in Reykjavik, a church inspired by cooled lava that took over 40 years to build.

2. Tour stop

   This gleaming steel sculpture looks like a Viking ship, but its dying creator had something very different in mind.

3. Tour stop

   Wander along the famous rainbow street and discover how graffiti went from teenage rebellion to official city art.

4. Tour stop

   Hear about the oldest parliament in the world and the legend linked to the four guardian spirits on the facade.

   Pass by without stopping
5. Tour stop

   Walk beside the lake and see some interesting artwork like The Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat

6. Tour stop

   Learn more about Icelandic folklore at this cemetery that gives a great setting to hear these tales

7. Tour stop

   Hear about the Viking longhouse ruins discovered by accident during construction, and how modern Icelanders can still read 1,000-year-old sagas.

   Pass by without stopping
8. Tour stop

   Walk by an award-winning concert hall made of coloured glass that you might recognise from Black Mirror.

   Pass by without stopping
9. Tour stop

   End the tour at the harbour and hear about the "Thufa"

10. Tour stop

    Reykjavik's colourful main street hides two of the world's most unusual museums — one dedicated to punk, the other to... well, you'll find out.

11. Tour stop

    Every Icelandic parliament session starts with mass here, and every president is inaugurated inside.

    Pass by without stopping

Know before you go

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The total tour duration includes the time spent at the stop, listening to audio and time required to walk through all the stops.